Cruise Caribbean

A close neighbour of the French island of Guadeloupe, Antigua is a peaceful haven, prefominately coral pink in colour and reputed for its reserves of exotic birds. Do not miss the former colonial plantations dating from the 18th century, scattered throughout the island, today transformed into delightful restaurants. With its countless beaches, this little paradise on earth will allow you to visit a different one each day.

This year, aboard the PONANT, you will enjoy unforgettable Christmas and New Year's Eve, far away from the cold and from the gloomy weather of the metropolis. The PONANT will take you on the discovery of Carriacou called “the island surrounded of reefs” and considered as one of the most beautiful of the world.Set your feet on the heavenly beaches of the French West Indies, where Robinson Crusoe has left his mark.Discover the island of Grenada and its elegant capital, St George’s, which is a particularly picturesque town. Its tropical forests with their wild beauty,immaculate beaches and countless waterfalls make this a unique enchanting destination.Explore the fauna and flora in the heart of nature reserves with multi-coloured reflections.

Staterooms & Suites

LE PONANT

Mythical destinations and secret ports of call only accessible to small capacity yachts. Ponant’s signature are Frenchstyle cuisine in a welcoming and intimate environment, discreet yet attentive service where no attention to detail is spared, unforgettable moments of relaxation aboard elegant French flag yachts of character. A sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere, in which, emotions, discovery and the quest for authenticity all take priority. Experience cruising in a different way and discover the magic of « Yacht Cruising ».

Given her size, shallow draft and a design that is very open to the sea (large sundeck, outdoor restaurant, easy access to the sea for swimming from her marina), Le Ponant, PONANT’s symbolic flagship gives passengers the feeling they are on a private yacht. The 32 staterooms all have a port hole and are tastefully decorated in a harmony of blues and whites. Two comfortable lounges and two restaurants complete the intimate spaces on this beautiful yacht.

Port of call & excursions

Fort-de-France

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

27 December 2016 – Bequia

Arrival 27/12/2016 early morning. Departure 27/12/2016 evening.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Bequia is the second-largest of 32 islands that make up the country of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This secluded island, strongly attached to its tradition of whale hunting, is popular with visiting yachties and divers. Port Elizabeth, the islandﾒs main town, has a lively atmosphere and further afield tropical rainforest and white-sand beaches provide a natural setting for peaceful walks.

28 December 2016 – Saint George's

Arrival 28/12/2016 early morning. Departure 28/12/2016 evening.

Delicately set against the back of a bay on the west coast of Grenada, Saint George’s attracts newcomers by the beauty of its location and its friendly, festive atmosphere. This “spice island” capital is an excellent base for visiting the surrounding natural sites, but you’ll also want to spend some time here moseying around its narrow streets where colonial houses and lush green gardens coexist. Carenage is Saint George’s lively commercial fishing harbour, high in colour, especially when the boats are being loaded with fruit and vegetables destined for neighbouring islands. 5 kilometres south, the Grand Anse beach is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean islands.

29 December 2016▸30 December 2016 – Carriacou

Arrival 29/12/2016 early morning. Departure 30/12/2016 early morning.

Belonging to the Grenadines archipelago, Carriacou Island unfurls its sumptuous coat of green at the gates of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This lush island, bordered by immaculate beaches, is one of the most beautiful in the West Indies. The appropriately named Paradise Beach is bathed by translucent waters, an idyllic spot where you can soak up the laid-back Caribbean ambience.

30 December 2016▸31 December 2016 – Chatham Bay, Union Island

Arrival 30/12/2016 early morning. Departure 31/12/2016 early morning.

Deserted bays, long stretches of golden sand, turquoise waters and endless coral reefs – Union Island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Overlooked by soaring peaks, this strange little strip of land owes its nickname of “the Tahiti of the West Indies” to its volcanic silhouette and its large swathes of greenery. When you call here, you will discover what the locals consider to be “the best-kept secret in the Grenadines” -Chatham Bay. Surrounded by hills and valleys carpeted in tropical rainforest, sheltering many sea turtles, this delightful half-moon of sand is, each day, the setting for the tireless ballet of the numerous pelicans who inhabit the island.

31 December 2016▸1 January 2017 – Mayero

Arrival 31/12/2016 late morning. Departure 01/01/2017 early morning.

Among the string of paradisiac islands with their white sandy beaches that form the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago, Mayreau is the smallest. Its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, far from the madding crowd, invites you to relax. Onshore, make the most of a shaded and fully equipped beach, from where you’ll be able to set off snorkelling to explore superb coral gardens overflowing with life and colour.

1 January 2017 – Tobago Cayes

Scattered between St Vincent and Grenada, the Tobago Cays comprises five little islands: Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby. This rosary of uninhabited cays in the southern West Indies is a marine park that has some outstanding marine fauna in its turquoise lagoons. Girded and united by a coral reef, these secluded islands are a peaceful paradise for divers, swimmers and snorkellers.

2 January 2017 – Soufrière

Arrival 02/01/2017 early morning. Departure 02/01/2017 midday.

Nestled in the crook of a breath-taking bay, the former capital of St Lucia is brimming with attractions. Soufrière is famous for The Pitons, volcanic spires that tower over the entrance to the town, and you will fall in love with its authentic Creole charm and warm friendly atmosphere. As well as diving and swimming off exquisite beaches, don't miss Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens for the mineral baths, one of the natural wonders of the Caribbean.

2 January 2017 – Marigot

On the west coast of the island of St Lucia, Marigot Bay has been described as "the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean". The picturesque marina, steep rainforested hills and deep blue waters have provided the backdrop for movies and the palm-studded beach is a Caribbean dream. Swimming, snorkelling and deep-sea diving are superb here.

Fort-de-France

Disembarkation 03/01/2017 at 07H00 .

Located on the western coast of Martinique, Fort-de-France will amaze you by the splendour of its bay, a magnificent cut-out in the coastline, considered as one of the most beautiful in the world. At the harbour mouth, on its strip of land, fort Saint-Louis overlooks the capital city of Martinique. If you climb up to it, you can see some breath-taking views. Saint Louis Cathedral and the Schoelcher library bear witness to a secular history, intimately linked to the island’s story. Why not try some fresh coconut at the colourful Grand Marché. Two really pleasant places you can take a breather in, right in the heart of the city, are the garden of Balata and the Aimé Césaire park.

Formalities

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.